Welcome: –
Call to Worship: –
(2 Samuel 7: 1-4, 8-14)
After the king was settled in his palace and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him, 2 he said to Nathan the Prophet,
“Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.”
3 Nathan replied to the king, “Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the Lord is with you.”
4 But that night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, saying:
8 “Now then, tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, and appointed you ruler over my people Israel. 9 I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men on earth. 10 And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning 11 and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies.
“‘The Lord declares to you that the Lord himself will establish a house for you: 12 When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his Kingdom. 13 He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his Kingdom forever.“
Comment on 2 Samuel 7:
In these verses David was expressing his desire to build a temple to house the Ark of the Covenant for God.
However, God reveals that His priorities are that the temporary Tabernacle Tent for the Ark of the Covenant will be replaced by His own permanent royal house where the ark can finally come to rest will wait until Israel is at rest in the promised land and David’s dynasty is secure.
So we gather here today in God’s House, to offer our praise and worship to Almighty God, who loves us, the people of His everlasting Kingdom.
Prayer of Praise
(Psalm 89: 1, 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 52)
O Lord, we always sing of your constant love,
We will proclaim your faithfulness to us forever.
Almighty God, the heavens sing of the wonderful things you do;
None is as mighty as you, we all stand in awe of you.
Heaven is yours, and the Earth also,
You made the World and everything in it.
Your Kingdom is founded on righteousness and justice,
Love and mercy are shown in all you do.
How happy are we when we worship you with songs,
When we live in the light of your kindness.
Because of you we rejoice all day long,
We praise you for your goodness.
In your love you make us triumphant.
Praise the Lord forever!
You are invited to listen to, or join in singing two songs:
‘Oh how I love Jesus’ (Scripture in Song volume 1 number 73)
Frederick Whitfield
‘Therefore the Redeemed of the Lord shall return’ (Scripture in Song volume 1 number 79)
Ruth Lake
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, we look at the society around us, and see what you intended to be noble, and grand has been corrupted with vice and violence and greed.
Please forgive our failures to fulfil your plans for the World, our failures for the strengthening of justice for all, our failures for the provision for the needs of all, and our failures for the acceptance of others with dignity and equality.
Merciful God, we feel proud of who we are, of where we belong and of what we have achieved by ourselves. But, in our pride, we are attempting to compare our insignificance and incompleteness with your incomparable greatness and glory.
Please forgive the haughtiness that accompanies our pride of person, or place or privilege. For it is only in humbling ourselves before you that we can put ourselves and the World in the right perspective.
Merciful God, we look at your Church and see a scattered flock, each going our own way and attempting to do things by themselves, never being a cohesive witness to the Gospel message.
We are sorry for whatever we have done or have failed to do that estranges others from you and from ourselves. For it is only in listening to you and following your voice that we find peace and reconciliation.
Merciful God, we are quick to denounce the sins of others, but slow to admit our own.
Forgive us for our double standards. In humbleness, we lay our guilt before you.
Merciful God. We lay all our faults before the Light of the World.
Please grant us forgiveness for our offences and for our negligence, through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
Assurance of Forgiveness
(from Ephesians 2: 8 & 9)
The Apostle Paul made it clear to the Church in Ephesus that it was through God’s grace that they had been saved from their sins, and that it had nothing to do with their own efforts or goodness. We, too, have come before God, confessing our sins and professing our faith in God’s saving power. Let us trust in God’s promise to listen to us, to forgive us, and to restore us to a right relationship with Himself.
Thanks be to God.
Prayer of illumination
(from Holy Communion Two in Uniting Church Worship Services p21)
O Lord, our God, you have given your Word to us that it may be a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. Grant us grace to receive your truth in faith and love, so that we may be obedient to your Will and live always for your glory, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
Bible Readings
Psalm 89: 19 to 29
19 In a vision long ago you said to your faithful servants,
“I have given the crown unto a mighty warrior, I have given the throne to one chosen from the People.
20 I have chosen my servant David King by anointing him with holy oil.
21 My strength will always be with him, my power will make him strong.
22 His enemies will never succeed against him, the wicked will not defeat him.
23 I will crush his foes, and vanquish those who hate him.
24 I will love him and be loyal to him, I will make him always victorious.
25 I will extend his Kingdom from the Mediterranean Sea to the Euphrates River.
26 He will say to me, ‘You are my Father and my God; you are my protector and saviour.’
27 I will make him my first-born son, the greatest of all Kings.
28 I will always keep my promise to him, and my covenant with him will last forever.
29 His dynasty will be as permanent as the sky; a descendant of his will always be King.”
Ephesians 2: 11 to 22
11 Remember then your former condition: you Gentiles, as you are outwardly, by birth, ‘the uncircumcised’, so called by those who are called ‘the circumcised’, (but only with reference to an outward rite), 12 you were at that time separate from Christ, strangers to the community of Israel, outside God’s covenants and the promise that goes with them. Your world was a world without hope and without God.
13 But now, in union with Christ Jesus, you who once were far off have been brought near through the shedding of Christ’s blood. 14 For he is himself our peace. Gentiles and Jews, he has made the two one, and in his own body of flesh and blood has broken down the enmity which stood like a dividing wall between them; 15 for he annulled the Law with its rules and regulations, so as to create out of the two a single new Humanity in himself, thereby making peace. 16 This was his purpose, to reconcile the two in a single body to God through the cross, on which he destroyed the enmity. 17 So Christ came and proclaimed the good news: peace to you who were far off, and peace to those who were near by; 18 for through him we both alike have access to the Father in the one Spirit. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; 22 in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
[Revised Standard Version, Today’s English Version, New English Bible]
This is the Word of God.
Praise to you Almighty God.
Mark 6: 30 to 34 and 53 to 56
30 The Apostles returned and met with Jesus, and told him all they had done and taught. 31 There were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his Disciples didn’t even have time to eat. So he said to them, “Let us go off by ourselves to some place where we will be alone and you can rest a while.” 32 So they started out in a boat by themselves to a lonely place.
33 Many people, however, saw them leave and knew at once who they were; so they went from all the towns and ran ahead by land and arrived at the place ahead of Jesus and his Disciples. 34 When Jesus got out of the boat, he saw this large crowd, and his heart was filled with pity for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began to teach them many things.
53 Afterwards, they crossed Lake Galilee and came to land at Gennesaret, where they tied up the boat. 54 As they left the boat, people recognised Jesus at once. 55 So they ran throughout the whole region, and wherever they heard he was, they brought to him the sick lying on their mats.
56 And everywhere Jesus went, to villages, towns or farms, people would take their sick to the marketplaces and beg him to let the sick at least touch the edge of his cloak. And all who touched it were made well.
[Revised Standard Version, Today’s English Version, New English Bible]
This is the Gospel of our Lord.
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
You are invited to listen to, or join in singing ‘O Love of God, how strong and true’ (TiS 139 AHB 75 MHB 52)
[This YouTube clip is for another hymn, but is used here for the tune]
Verse 1 of 5
O love of God, how strong and true,
Eternal and yet ever new,
Uncomprehended and unbought,
Beyond all knowledge and all thought!
Verse 2 of 5
O wide-embracing, wondrous love,
We read you in the sky above,
We read you in the Earth below,
In seas that swell and streams that flow.
Verse 3 of 5
We read you best in him who came
to bear for us the cross of shame,
Sent by the Father from on high,
Our life to live, our death to die.
Verse 4 of 5
We read your power to bless and save
Ev’n in the darkness of the grave;
Still more in resurrection light
We read the fulness of your might.
Verse 5 of 5
O love of God, our shield and stay
Through all the perils of our way;
Eternal love, in you we rest,
For ever safe, for ever blest.
Horatius Bonar
Message
“I have found David my servant; with my sacred oil I have anointed him.”
Psalm 89: 20
It was in David that God found a leader for His People, a warrior, a person whose heart was truly attuned to serving and obeying God. (1 Samuel 16: 7 & 12). So, we have the writer of Psalm 89 recording God expressing His purpose regarding David, “I have made my servant David King, My strength will always be with him. (Psalm 89: 20a & 21a) God had brought David, a Shepherd in from the pasture and anointed him with oil. God made a covenant with David and promised that his dynasty would endure forever.
“I will make him my first-born son, the greatest of all Kings.”
Psalm 89: 27
God says that He would regard David as His “first born son”. (Psalm 89: 27a) The Hebrew word, bekore, (Strong’s OT1060) has the implied meaning of being the chief son, the favourite son, the irreplaceable son, the most loved son, even of being a “one of a kind” son. Scripture indicates that this was how God related to David throughout his life.
God continues by saying that He will make David “the greatest of all Kings”. (Psalm 89: 27b)
“His dynasty will be as permanent as the sky; a descendant of his will always be King.”
Psalm 89: 29
God then goes on to say of David, “His dynasty will be as permanent as the sky; a descendant of his will always be King.” (Psalm 89: 29)
Just because no descendant of King David was King of Judah from the time of the exile to Babylon onwards, does not mean that David’s dynasty ended at that time. Both Matthew, (in Matthew 1: 1 to 17) and Luke (in Luke 3: 23 to 38) record the ‘family history’ of Jesus Christ, and attest that Jesus was the son of Joseph, a descendant of David, whose “hometown” was Bethlehem, “the birthplace of King David”, and, thereby, Jesus too was a descendant of David. (Luke 2: 3 to 5) David’s dynasty had not ended.
But being a descendant of David did not automatically make Jesus a King. Of all the sons of David, only one son, Solomon, was a King and the one God planned would build the temple. Jesus, though, declared his ‘Kingship’ and his inheritance of David’s throne at the time of his triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
This is a quotation from the words from Psalm 89: 27:
“I will make him my first-born son, the greatest of all Kings.”
We saw that this did apply to David in his lifetime, but how could these words also refer to Jesus Christ, the greatest of Kings in the dynasty of David?
Matthew, Mark and Luke, in their Gospels, tended to use the Greek word agapetos (Strong’s NT27) when they referred to God’s relationship with Jesus, a word meaning beloved or special or irreplaceable.
God’s special relationship with David was a pointer to the future specialness of God’s relationship with His son, Jesus Christ. his special, beloved, ‘one of a kind’, only begotten son.
Gregory Beale and Sean McDonough, in their Commentary on John’s Book, The Revelation, state that “John views Jesus as the ideal Davidic King, whose death and resurrection have resulted in his eternal kingship. The reference to “firstborn” refers to Christ’s privileged position as a result of his resurrection from the dead.” (Gregory Beale and Sean McDonough in Revelation in Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament edited by Gregory Beale and Donald Carson p1089)
Jesus is “the greatest of all kings”, and “he will always be king”. (Psalm 89:27b and 29b)
The Lord God will make him King, as his ancestor David was, and he will be the King of the descendants of Jacob forever; his Kingdom will never end!” (Luke 1: 31 to 33 and John 12:34)
“The Apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught.”
Mark 6:30
In Mark 6:30 we see the apostles returning from their mission. Usually they would be referred to as Disciples or the Twelve. However, the word Apostles is used here because they had been healing and preaching as representatives of Jesus himself. Jesus had sent them out earlier two by two as recorded in Mark 6:7 with authority over evil spirits and to preach that people should repent. They gathered around Jesus to unburden and report all that they had done.
Jesus saw the apostles need of a temporary retreat, a needed time of renewal after their mission. So, he took them aside to rest, to recuperate as they would have been tired from the activities and the incessant demands of the crowds. Food and rest for the body and refreshment of the mind and the spirit. Peace in the company of Jesus. It was meant to be a time for themselves. To possibly be taught and have peace of mind. There is a time for rest as well as a time for work in the service of the Lord. William Barclay described it as the rhythm of Christian life in The Daily Study Bible of The Gospel of Mark.
Going into the presence of God from the presence of men. We can’t work unless we have our rest and if we haven’t worked, we can’t rest. A Christian needs to give themselves time with God so that God can speak to us. Listening to God is important otherwise we may go and follow our own desires and plans like David when he was encouraged to build the temple by the prophet Nathan in 2 Samuel 7:3. After this, God spoke and revealed his plans to Nathan who was to tell David.
Waiting on God is a time of spiritual recharge and energy. We need his strength to do his work. By seeking quietness in God’s presence we will receive his strength. The disciples longed for a quiet and solitary place with Jesus which could be described as rest in the wilderness. Like the rest God gave to his ancient people in the Exodus from Egypt. Also, the rest David enjoyed after his times in battle were over. We need this rest too.
However the plan was frustrated. The time of seclusion was foiled by the claims of human need. The Apostles probably despaired as they saw the crowds following them when they were in the boat and then moving ahead and overtaking them. They had difficulty getting time to eat. However, Jesus responded compassionately and in love. His deep compassion reflects the very heart of God. Jesus had pity. He didn’t show resentment. We also need to put ourselves in the place of the people. It is important to try to listen and help others. Perhaps when the task appears too big and overwhelming for us, we need to remember that it is better to give some help, rather than no help.
Jesus is described as one who teaches and heals the sick. He starts with the Jews of Israel, but his missionary travels take Jesus to the towns and countries of the Gentiles as well. People continued to follow him from place to place. He unreservedly helped all whom he could.
When Jesus looked at the multitude of people they looked like sheep without a shepherd. A sheep without its shepherd can’t find its pasture or food. We need sustenance for strength and inspiration to lift us up. Strength from the living bread. The Shepherd is also a defence against danger, against robbers and beasts. When Jesus leads, we can find our way through the temptations and evil in the world by following him.
Jesus had something that the people wanted. He taught them and healed them. They did not get help from the leaders of their religion, and they also longed for freedom from the oppressive Roman government.
As a good Jew he wore fringes and blue tasselled border on his garment. Yet Jesus was full of deep compassion, not displaying pious behaviour of a Jew. It was not just the touching of the hem but it the faith of those who came to touch Jesus’ clothes that he responded. As word spread about Jesus and the Apostles and the teaching and preaching people earnestly searched them out following when they spotted them. Many longed-for healing and hope.
Until Christ came the Gentiles were an object of hostility and contempt to the Jews. The barrier between them was absolute. Jewish law was the dividing wall. William Barclay writes in the Daily Bible Study: The letters to the Galatians and Ephesians that a funeral would be held if a Jewish boy or girl married a Gentile. Such contact with a Gentile was the equivalent of death. Going into a Gentile house or coming in contact also made a Jew unclean.
Non-Jews couldn’t enter the inner courts of the Temple, the House of God. Before Christ, the barriers were up. Israel always had the shining radiant hope in God, but the Gentile, non-Jew had no hope of a Messiah without Christ. There was a great gulf between the Jew’s, God’s chosen people and the sinful heathen Gentiles who were considered far away. In Ephesians 2:15 God’s moral standing expressed in Old Testament law has not changed, but what is abolished is probably the effect of the specific commandments and regulations in separating Jews from Gentiles, whose non-observance of the Jewish law renders them ritually unclean. (NIV Study Notes p1827)
This would have been so difficult for the Jews to comprehend. Their belief system, strict observance of laws and sub laws were upended. To unite with the heathen non-Jews would have been unthinkable. This became such a stumbling block for the Jews because Christ wasn’t the Messiah that they anticipated. They had not accepted him as God’s own beloved son, Saviour and King of Kings. To them, he was Joseph and Mary’s son from Nazareth.
Paul reminds his readers that, whatever their religious or cultural backgrounds, Greek, Roman, Jewish or whatever else, God’s grace extends to all people. He states:
“So Christ came and preached the Good News of peace to all – to you Gentiles, who were far away from God, and to the Jews, who were near to him.” (Ephesians 2: 17) Paul is, here, quoting from the passage from Isaiah 57: 19.
Before Christ’s death on the cross there was no hope of unity, in Christ the new unity had come. They were brought near, no longer aliens, but fellow citizens. All members of the family of God who have the right of entry into the presence of the Father for we come in the one spirit. God doesn’t discriminate regarding those to whom he will show His love. God seeks to break down the barriers that exist between people, uniting people under His Lordship through the saving work of Jesus Christ. Christ bridged the gulf. The barriers were down. His death on the cross meant peace with God for all people, bringing those individuals into the people of God.
Francis Foulkes in his commentary on Ephesians says, “Divisions are overcome, not by an approaching or a receiving on either side, but by Christ’s coming and making peace for both.” (Francis Foulkes in Ephesians p81)
Frank Thielman writes that “Christ, through his death, reconciled Gentiles (that is, all non-Jews) and Jews to one another and a newly created people drawn from both groups to God.” (Frank Thielman in Ephesians in Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament edited by Gregory Beale and Donald Carson p817)
Paul talks about the Church, a spiritual temple, built on the foundation of the apostles, prophets and Christ himself, the chief cornerstone who all faithfully proclaimed the word of God. This is the newly created people drawn from both groups to God. Verse 21 talks about a building under construction in Christ, to become God’s church, a Holy temple, a people, a community in whom the Holy Spirit dwells. We are part of that community, the body, the people of God.
So, just as God has called people in the past, David, the prophets, and the Apostles we have our own tasks to do. Each one has a different role as members of God’s Church. We have the word of God, and his promises. We are to be united in Christ’s love and care for each other and ourselves. We are to take time out and rest so that we can do God’s work in helping those who are lost to find God. We are part of his flock, part of the enduring Kingdom of God who calls us to be one, for now and for eternity.
May we find peace in our hearts and in our minds in our union with Christ Jesus, and as we express our praise of God for the greatness of His grace extended to us, the people of God in this place. Amen.
You are invited to listen to, or join in singing the Hymn “Dear Lord and Father of Mankind” (TiS598 AHB 519 MHB 669)
John Whittier
Offering
Offering Prayer
Bless the gifts our hands have brought, Bless the work our hearts have planned, Ours is the faith, the will, the thought, The rest, O God, is in your hand. Amen.
Prayers for Others
Let us come before God with our cares and our concerns.
Almighty God, we pray for the Church, that we may be witnesses to your message, expressions of your nurturing love, and instruments of your healing care to all who find life’s journey burdensome.
We pray for unity, that through Christ’s victory over death, the divisions in the Human family may be dissolved and the wounds of racism and prejudice be healed.
We pray for a spirit of compassion, that you will touch our hearts with care and concern for all whom we find burdensome, needy, or demanding.
We pray for all who exercise leadership in the Church, that they may place their gifts unselfishly in the service of others and draw forth the skills of others for the fulfillment of your work.
We pray for support and care for refugees, for those displaced by violence, and living under oppressive governments, and help them find the resources that they need for life.
We pray for all who have suffered abuse, that your loving compassion will fill them with hope and courage and heal their bodies, minds, and spirits.
We pray for all who are suffering, that you will strengthen those recovering from natural disasters, give hope to those who have lost their homes, and give peace to those who are mourning.
We pray for patience and insight, that you will help parents and young people who are in conflict, help them understand each other, and lead them to new respect and cooperation.
Copyright © 2021. Joe Milner. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce for personal or parish use. – https://liturgy.slu.edu/16OrdB072124/ideas_other.html
We pray for the peoples of Djibouti and Somalia.
We are thankful for the beauty of Creation and its resources from lands and sea, for the stable governance and economic development that Djibouti has experienced in recent years, and for the many ways churches and humanitarian organizations have prayed for and responded to the needs in Somalia.
We pray for protection of natural resources and coastal land, for an end to hunger, violence, crime and conflict in Somalia, for effective reconciliation and peace-building, for stable governments that further the common good for all the people, and for those who have fled this area that they may be welcomed in new homelands.
Prayers
You who give sustenance to your creatures, O God,
Put water for us in the nipples of rain!
You who poured water into oceans, O God,
Make this land of ours fertile again!
Accepter of penance, who are wealthy, O God,
Gather water in rivers whose beds have run dry!
You who are glorious, truly bounteous, O God,
Our cries have undone us, grant a shower of rain!
You who are clement, truly worshipped, O God,
Milk water for beasts which are stricken with thirst!
Creator of nature who made all things, O God,
Transmute our ruin to blessing and good!
We have done much remembrance, O God who remembers,
Loosen upon us rain from the clouds!
You who are merciful and compassionate, O God,
Milk rain from the sky for those in need!
You who are truthful, Creator, O God,
We accept in submission whatever you say!
You who mete out good and evil, O God,
In this land we are broken, milk the clouds from above!
The earth and the sky you constructed, O God,
We cannot get water, bring forth drops of rain!
The darkness of night you transfigure, O God,
And make daylight follow; milk the sky lavishly!
You who open all and give sustenance, O God,
People have scattered; send forth healthy rain!
Almighty, perfector of counsels, O God,
Pour for us rain which would make the land wet!
You who are bounteous, the protector, O God,
We cannot survive drought, send us rain from your store!
You who drive the air which sways the trees, O God,
It is you whom we praised, grant us the goodness of rain!
You who are worshipped and answer prayers, O God,
Make the rain spread over the whole of the land!
Bestower of victories, benefactor, O God,
Bring us faultless rain which makes us dwell where it falls!
You who are one and are trusted, O God,
Provider of all, give water to your people!
You who spark off lightning from clouds you have loaded, O God,
It is you who have power over rain which satisfies abundantly!
You who fill water-holes dug in wadis, O God,
Milk rain on this land, cream-giving rain!
You who used to relieve the strangest plights, O God,
It is to you that I have turned for help!
(Somali, Somalia. Heart of Prayer, comp. Anthony Gittins, CSSp, Collins, 1985. Used with permission.)
Allah! (Lord)
Make me among those whom you have guided.
Make me among those whom you have pardoned,
and make me among those to whom you are a patron.
Bless that which you have bestowed on me
and shield me against the evil of what you have decreed.
Truly, you are the one who decrees and none can decree over you.
The one to whom you show allegiance can never be abased,
and the one whom you take as an enemy
is never honoured and mighty.
You are the blessed and the exalted.
(“Allah” is Arabic for “God”.) (© Saadiya Hirse, Somali)
Almighty God, we continue to pray for peace in Ukraine and for the Bible Society team as they continue to distribute much needed Scriptures. We pray for support and guidance for governments, military, churches and individuals. We pray too that the International Peace Summit that took place in Switzerland last month would help bring the nations closer to a resolution to this war. We pray for mental and physical strength for the Bible Society staff in Ukraine as they continue serving churches and individuals with God’s word. A staff member said, “It still takes a lot of courage and resilience to continue serving in the city amidst regular explosions of huge, guided bombs nearby, so please keep our team there in your prayers.”
We pray that Koorong customers find inspiration, comfort, and a deeper understanding of God’s word in the products they purchase. We pray that every book, Bible, and resource distributed through a Koorong store will be a tool for spiritual growth and a catalyst for positive change in the lives of individuals and communities.
We continue praying for the safety and health of people in Papua New Guinea where recent flooding and an earthquake has severely impacted villages, where Malaria and other diseases continue to rise as vegetable gardens and water tanks have been destroyed. We pray for the people Bible Society is reaching in partnership with Mega Voice, distributing audio Bibles through the work of Living Child in the East Sepik Province, that relief would reach them, and their faith would grow.
We pray fervently for our Bible Society partners in the Middle East region working in communities amidst conflict, displacement and suffering. We give praise to you God for Bible Society’s Living Stones Centre in Ramallah and for the ministry which takes place there; that they would be able to continue to gather around the Bible and encourage one another from God’s word. We pray for protection and provision for Bible Society staff, volunteers, and all those in their community who are facing devastating loss.
Words of Faith from the Middle East “We will continue our efforts to be a living testimony and stand with the body of Christ during this tough time,” says Nashat, the Palestinian Bible Society’s General Secretary. Let us join with Nashat in praying for peace in the Middle East region. Nashat says, “We very much appreciate your prayers and support.”
Bible%20Society%20July%202024%20Prayer%20Letter.pdf
Almighty God, we pray for the Leprosy Mission International Ethiopia as it partners with the Ethiopian government, the Ethiopian National Association of Persons Affected by Leprosy (ENAPAL), the Ethiopian Centre for Disability Development (ECDD) and other NGOs. We pray that together they will succeed on working on a comprehensive model of leprosy control through strengthening health systems and community ownership, which includes increasing resilience in women and men with impairments, as well as those from other marginalised groups. May these partnerships be strengthened and ultimately be a blessing to the communities they serve. We pray for the success of their lobby and advocacy efforts so that persons affected by leprosy and persons with disability will have their voices heard and there will be better inclusion in Ethiopia.
We pray for the successful implementation of TLMI Ethiopia’s five-year Country Strategy (2023-2027) We pray for the project that they are running in Ethiopia that it will have a tangible impact on leprosy prevention through early case detection, new case finding activities, and increasing dignity for person affected by leprosy.
We pray that they will be able to secure the funds they need to implement the work that is included within the multiyear strategic plan. We pray for your assistance as they endeavour to encourage Ethiopian decision-makers, particularly the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Social Affairs, to make leprosy initiatives a priority.
We pray for swift recoveries for persons in Ethiopia who are affected by leprosy and receiving treatment at the rehabilitation centres and hospitals.
We pray for continued good health and for guidance of Mrs Beletshachew Tadesse – the Country Representative, of Mr Berihun Legesse – the Admin and Finance officer, of Mr Fiseha Endale – the Programme Manager, of Mr Solomon Getahun – the Programme Coordinator, of Mrs Abebesh Lemma – the Admin and Finance Assistant, of Mr Natnael Mesfin – the Project Coordinator, of Mr Gudeta Ayele – the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning Officer, and for Mr Gizachew Tebikew – the Zonal Project Coordinator.
The%20Leprosy%20Mission%20Prayer%20Guide%202024.pdf
Almighty God, we pray for Rachael from Scripture Union Australia as she attends Moore College with Bush Church Aid to talk with students about ministry and school ministry opportunities in regional areas they might explore.
We pray that new Scripture Union chaplains working in schools will find their way quickly, build relationships within their school communities and become a great support to the wellbeing needs of students.
We pray for Chris Battistuzzi as he forges ministry opportunities in South Australian and Victorian border communities, where there is currently little Scripture Union presence.
We pray that the JC Action Sports, which SU is helping to run at Beaudesert State School will be a blessing to participants. We pray for participants to enjoy themselves, make friends and connect with you at the Redlands 25 Epic Night 2024.
We pray the Special Religious Education fundraising events being held in Cowra, NSW would be fruitful and raise the funds needed to continue to support this ministry.
We pray that all campers on the Time to Shine day camp for Year 6 girls will experience your love, while having a great and safe time.
Scripture%20Union%20Prayer-Guide%20July%20to%20September%202024.pdf
Prayers for the Congregation
Merciful God, you sent your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to walk among us. He heard the cries of the people and shared with them the Good News of the Kingdom. Hear our prayers this day and answer them so that your greatness may be known by all. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil,
For the Kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours,
Now and forever. Amen.
You are invited to listen to, or join in singing the Hymn “I come with joy to meet my Lord” (TiS 533)
[This YouTube clip is for another hymn, but is used here for the tune.]
I come with joy to meet my Lord,
Forgiven, loved and free,
In awe and wonder to recall
His life laid down for me.
Verse 2 of 4
I come with Christians far and near
Each proud division ends,
The new community of love,
And strangers now are friends.
Verse 3 of 4
And thus with joy we meet our Lord,
His presence, always near,
Is in such friendship better known;
We see, and praise him here.
Verse 4 of 4
Together met, together bound,
We’ll go our different ways,
And as His People in the World
We’ll live and speak His praise.
Brian Wren
Benediction
As we leave now to go our separate ways, to our homes, our daily life and tasks, may we be vividly aware of God’s presence, may we be conscious of God’s power, may we sense God’s protection, and desire to know more fully the wonder of God’s patient care for each of us. And may the blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, rest upon you and remain with you always. Amen.
You are invited to listen to, or join in singing the Benediction Song
“Now unto him who is able to keep” (Scripture in Song volume 1 Number 72)
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=uAx6FCXctwU
Now unto Him who is able to keep, able to keep you from falling,
and present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty,
dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Service for Sunday 19th September 2021 – Mr Geoffrey Webber 
Service for Sunday 22nd December 2024, which was conducted by Mr Geoffrey Webber 
Service for Sunday 17th November which was conducted by Mr Geoffrey Webber 
Service for Sunday 23rd October 2022, which was conducted by Mr Geoffrey Webber 